A poll just conducted by the Oregonian shows Kitzhaber with a seven point lead over Richardson, but that's much closer than in recent months.

Kitzhaber used to lead Richardson by double digits in recent months.

A poll last week by KATU TV found voters were switching sides following the Cylvia Hayes controversies.

The latest poll conducted on Sunday and Monday which interviewed 403 voters, found 45 percent plan to re-elect Kitzhaber, while 38 percent will chose Richardson.